Hip-hop might have originated in the U.S., but it's traveled around the world since then, becoming the world music. Spain hasn't been left out of the picture, as
7 Notas 7 Colores illustrates. Its take is individual, sonically very different to what's happening in America, and more stripped down and hardcore -- perhaps having more in common with the English style called spoken word. The closest the band comes to American hip-hop, in fact, is the funky "La Medicina," which is still fairly minimal. Obviously, understanding Spanish helps when listening to this band, but, at the same time, it can be appreciated for the particular flow and style without speaking the language. And there's definitely something interesting going on here: a fairly hardcore style that manages to range from the confrontational to the laid-back. The remix of "Buah!" appended as the last track manages to add to the original track with orchestral stabs rather than any radical reworking, thus keeping the emphasis firmly on the words, just where it should be. If you're tired of the predictability of American hip-hop (not to mention its other failings), check out what's happening overseas. You'll be pleased by the creativity, and
7 Notas 7 Colores might well end up on your shopping list. ~ Chris Nickson